Electronic eyeglass frame

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.

1 ) An eyeglass frame comprising an electronic module, wherein said module is located within a spatial void of the eyeglass frame anterior to the hinge. 
   
   
       2 ) The eyeglass frame of  claim 1 , wherein the eyeglass frame is adapted for housing an electro-active lens and said module contains electronics and a power source for driving the electro-active lens. 
   
   
       3 ) An electronic module that contains electronics and a power source for driving an electro-active lens, wherein said module is designed to fit within a spatial void of an eyeglass frame directly connected to the electro-active lens without an intervening hinge. 
   
   
       4 ) A method for controlling an electro-active lens wherein said lens is activated when the wearer's head moves to a first position angled steeply down relative to the horizon, and wherein said lens, once activated, remains on until such a time as the wearer's head moves to a second position at an angle slightly above the horizon. 
   
   
       5 ) An electronic module attached to a rimless eyeglass frame located within a spatial void, wherein the frame has an electro-active lens to which the module is directly connected. 
   
   
       6 ) The method of  claim 4 , wherein said module is moisture resistant. 
   
   
       7 ) The module of  claim 5 , wherein said module is moisture resistant. 
   
   
       8 ) The method of  claim 4 , wherein said module houses a power source. 
   
   
       9 ) The module of  claim 5 , wherein said module houses a power source. 
   
   
       10 ) The method of  claim 4 , wherein said module houses a switch. 
   
   
       11 ) The module of  claim 5 , wherein said module houses a switch. 
   
   
       12 ) The frame of  claim 1 , wherein said module is sealed from the outside environment. 
   
   
       13 ) The frame of  claim 1 , wherein said module is affixed to a temple. 
   
   
       14 ) The module of  claim 3 , wherein said module is affixed to one of the group comprising rimless, rimmed, and semi-rimless frames. 
   
   
       15 ) The module of  claim 14 , wherein the frame comprises one of the group comprising zyle, metal, a combination of zyle and metal. 
   
   
       16 ) The frame of  claim 1 , wherein said module houses at least one of the group comprising an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a sensor, a range finder, a power source, a micro-processor, and a controller. 
   
   
       17 ) The module of  claim 3 , wherein said frame is a hinge-less frame. 
   
   
       18 ) The method of  claim 10 , wherein said switch is a tilt switch. 
   
   
       19 ) The module of  claim 11 , wherein said switch is an automatic switch. 
   
   
       20 ) The method of  claim 10 , wherein said switch is a automatic switch. 
   
   
       21 ) The module of  claim 11 , wherein said switch is a manual switch. 
   
   
       22 ) The method of  claim 10 , wherein said switch is a manual switch. 
   
   
       23 ) The module of  claim 19 , wherein said switch is a tilt switch. 
   
   
       24 ) The method of  claim 20 , wherein said switch is a tilt switch. 
   
   
       25 ) The frame of  claim 16 , further comprising a sensor, wherein said controller provides for timing feed back from said sensor, wherein said controller turns off the electronic power if said sensor does not indicate movement within a set period of time. 
   
   
       26 ) The frame of  claim 25 , wherein said sensor is a tilt switch 
   
   
       27 ) The frame of  claim 25 , wherein said sensor is a range finder. 
   
   
       28 ) The frame of  claim 16 , further comprising a sensor, wherein said controller provides for a timing delay after receiving a signal from said sensor. 
   
   
       29 ) The frame of  claim 28 , wherein said sensor is a tilt switch. 
   
   
       30 ) The frame of  claim 28 , wherein said sensor is a range finder. 
   
   
       31 ) An eyeglass frame, comprising:
 a) a hinged temple connected to the frame; and   b) a universal eyeglass frame housing positioned anterior to the hinge, wherein said housing contains an electronic module.